Google Maps is available again on Wear OS 2 smartwatches (Update: Statement) – Android Authority

Update, December 2, 2022 (02:21 PM ET): A Google spokesperson provided a statement to Android Authority clarifying the situation with Google Maps and Keep support on Wear OS 2. Here is the statement:

Last week, Google Keep and Maps for Wear OS 2 devices were temporarily removed from the Play Store. Google engineers have since restored the availability of apps on the Play Store.

Original, November 28, 2022 (04:31 PM ET):Google is a company that isn’t afraid to pull app support when it wants to. Just last month, the technology giant announced that it was sunsetting Chrome browser support for Windows 7 and 8.1. Now the company has rolled out support for Google Maps and Google Keep from Wear OS 2 devices.

While you were enjoying your Thanksgiving dinner, a Reddit user noticed that they couldn’t find Google Keep in the Play Store while using their Wear OS 2 smartwatch. It turned out that the app had dropped support for Wear OS 2 and says “Doesn’t work on your device,” when looking at the web/mobile version of the listing.

It’s not known exactly when support was pulled from the app, but it could be around the time Google revamped Content You back in September which introduced a new tile for creating notes or lists.

According to 9To 5Google, it was later discovered that Google Maps had also pulled support for Wear OS 2, as well as Android 9 and below. While some users will be able to download the latest update to regain access, this locks out any device that isn’t expected to receive the Wear OS 3 update.

However, if you already have Google Maps installed on your Wear OS 2 smartwatch, it is reportedly still working. So this development mainly affects those who have to reset their watches.

While it’s unsolicited news, it’s no surprise that Google has started dropping legacy support as Wear OS 3 expands to more devices and Wear OS 2 becomes less relevant.